Japanese adventurer completes 6,000km rickshaw journey across Africa: Video
Japanese adventurer Gump Suzuki has completed an extraordinary 6,000-kilometer journey across Africa, pulling a rickshaw from Kenya to Cape Town.
Suzuki’s months-long odyssey, which began last summer, has captured the hearts of thousands on social media, where he shared regular updates of his trek.
“It’s been a very good experience,” Suzuki told AFP after crossing the finish line. He recounted several intense moments along the way, including an encounter with a lion and two incidents where his rickshaw was struck by trucks. Despite these setbacks, Suzuki persevered. “I couldn’t make it so without you guys,” a tearful Suzuki told his supporters gathered to cheer him on. “That’s why I’m really happy to see you guys and run together until the finish line.”
Suzuki’s journey took him through diverse terrains and cultures, from the bustling streets of Nairobi to the arid landscapes of Namibia. Along the way, he braved harsh conditions, including a scarcity of food and water. “When I was crossing Namibia, there was nothing everywhere. It was very difficult to get water or food. I slept outside every time,” Suzuki recalled.
His determination and resilience inspired many, including Alvyn Andrews, a supporter who followed Suzuki from Namibia to South Africa. “I caught up with him and offered him water just as he got out of Namibia,” Andrews said. “It’s just amazing to see how the people in South Africa have come out to support him.”
